austriamicrosystems introduces 14-bit magnetic rotary encoder IC with best-in-class device protection for toughest automotive applications

AS5163 is austriamicrosystems` first automotive magnetic encoder IC to meet the
toughest automotive requirements for overvoltage and reverse polarity protection
UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria--(Business Wire)--
austriamicrosystems (SIX: AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of
high performance analog ICs for automotive, communication, industry and medical
applications, today introduced AS5163, the first magnetic rotary encoder IC
specifically designed to satisfy stringent automotive requirements in angle
sensing applications where robust IC protection is essential.

austriamicrosystems` newest automotive magnetic encoder IC incorporates both +27
Volt overvoltage protection and -18 Volt reverse polarity at supply pins. AS5163
also features an intelligent short circuit monitoring function to protect it
against damage under short circuit condition. This makes the encoder IC ideally
suited for automotive applications, such as throttle or gas-pedal systems.

"In the automotive industry with its constantly growing demands with regard to
device protection and system reliability, our AS5163 is perfectly positioned to
meet these challenges", comments Andreas Pfingstl, Product Manager Automotive
Encoders at austriamicrosystems. "When developing this device, we put special
emphasis on the ease of use and cost efficiency for the user. The AS5163 offers
a single-wire interface and, together with its robust protection features,
allows system designers to meet their performance and reliability requirements,
while optimizing system cost."

The AS5163 single wire pin can be configured either as a 14-bit digital, 12-bit
PWM or ratiometric analog output. In addition, the IC can be customized by the
user to cover any system specific angle range. The programming of the desired
angle range is achieved by simply setting a start and end position of the
rotational movement. This feature makes AS5163 extremely flexible and easy to
use in a variety of automotive angle sensing applications.

The AS5163 is operational over an ambient temperature range from -40°C to 150°C.
It is available in a small TSSOP 14 package and operates at 5V supply voltage.
For product specific information, to download data sheets or to request free
samples from austriamicrosystems' online shop ICdirect, please visit
www.austriamicrosystems.com/rotary-encoder/AS5163 .

austriamicrosystems will showcase the AS5163 at the Sensor & Test in Nürnberg
May 26 to 28, 2009, booth# 12-460 and also at the Sensors Expo in Chicago June 8
to 10, 2009, booth #521. Get more information at
www.austriamicrosystems.com/Events

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance
analog ICs, combining more than 27 years of analog design capabilities and
system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities.
austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to
provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating
worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the
areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces and mobile infotainment
in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented
by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SIX
Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker: AMS). For more information, please visit
www.austriamicrosystems.com .

Press Contact
austriamicrosystems AG
Ulrike Anderwald
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +43 (0) 3136 500 5856
Fax: +43 (0) 3136 500 5420
press@austriamicrosystems.com
www.austriamicrosystems.com
or
Technical Contact
austriamicrosystems AG
Andreas Pfingstl
Product Manager Automotive Encoder
Tel: +43 (0) 3136 500 5516
Fax: +43 (0) 3136 500 5420
andreas.pfingstl@austriamicrosystems.com
www.austriamicrosystems.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009